An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington, Part 198

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1172

USA > Washington > Skagit County > An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington > Part 198
USA > Washington > Snohomish County > An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington > Part 198

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later he left the woods to form a partnership with a man named Carroll in conducting a hotel, general store and the postoffice at Oso, just established. Eight years later, or in 1900, after a prosperous life, the partnership was dissolved, part of the stock sold and Mr. Moore moved the balance to the new town of Darrington, the firm of Montague & Moore being organized at that time. Until the year 1901, when the railroad reached Darrington, the first train arriving May 31st. all supplies had to be hauled in from Arlington over rough roads. Since Mr. Moore came to Darrington he has taken a prom- inent part in forwarding the interests of the com- munity, and because of his public spirit, broad views and aggressiveness has been a strong factor in its progress. The schools have received his attention also, he having been a member of the local school board for some time. In political matters he is a Republican. The business venture in which he is a full partner is proving a success, much of the credit for which is due to Mr. Moore's keen business judg- ment and enterprise.

JOHN MONTAGUE, senior member of the mercantile firm of Montague & Moore, leading busi- ness men of Darrington, has been a resident of Sno- homish county for nineteen years and is among its substantial citizens. He is essentially a self-made man, having assumed the responsibility of manhood at the early age of fourteen and accumulated his present holdings solely by his own effort. Of South- ern birth, born in Baltimore, Maryland, March 20. 1850, he is one of Paul Montague's three sons. Paul Montague was a native of Ireland who came to the United States in 1814, engaged in contracting work and successfully pursued it until his death, sixteen years later in New Jersey. All his sons survive. John. Nicholas C. and Francis B. At the age of eleven John, the subject of this biography, went to live with an uncle, with whom he remained three years before setting out to make his own way in the world. He went to Canada, worked there seven years, then returned to the states, locating for a short time in Michigan before coming to Washing- ton in 1887. He reached the little town of Florence. on the Stillaguamish river. May 9, 1888, and imme- diately engaged in logging at different camps. About this time, too, several months earlier, he filed on a claim near the site of Oso, being the first man to settle that far up the valley. This claim he made his home during the next twelve years, working out sey- eral months each season for others to obtain money for use in improving his place. In 1899 he came to Darrington, built the block now used by his store and the same year opened a general merchandise es- tablishment. Shortly afterward he sold a half in-

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terest to Mr. Moore and the existing firm was formed. In addition to his mercantile interests, Mr. Montague owns his old homestead, comprising one hundred and twenty acres, of which twenty-five are improved. The contrast between the condition of Darrington when Mr. Montague reached it and its present thrifty condition is as great as is the con- trast between the first day's business and that trans- acted on any day of the present time ; both have ad- vanced wonderfully. Now the town has a railroad, business houses and a rapidly developing tributary country and wagon transportation or packing from the main line at Arlington is a thing of the past. Mr. Montague has exhibited unusual enterprise in all his dealings, his business commanding the bulk of the community's trade and running up as high as $20,000 last year. He is one of the established men in this section of the country, popular and es- teemed.

JOHN KNUDSON, wood worker, carpenter, photographer and mine owner of Darrington, is one of the successful business men of this section of Sno- homish county. Much of his time since coming here he has passed in the mercantile business. Easily adapting himself to different lines of work. obtain- ing information along any line of investigation witli apparent ease, he has succeeded in diverse occupa- tions where others have failed.

Born in Norway in 1855, he is the son of Knute and Rennie ( Osmenson) Knudson, farmer folk, who are now dead. Besides John, seven of their children survive-Osmand. Delia, George, Alice, Stener, Ed- win and Rennie. Until nineteen years of age, John Knudson made his home with his parents. On leav- ing home he came at once to the United States and settled in Iowa, where for six years he pursued the trade of a blacksmith. Between the years 1882 and 1891 he lived in Nebraska, where he also fol- lowed blacksmith work and farined at different times. He then came to Washington, to Snohomish county, where he has since resided. At first he oper- ated a store and hotel at Darrington, but disposed of them to engage in other lines. He now has a fully equipped wood working establishment, with Jathes, scroll saw and other instruments of his craft, and in addition has a photograph gallery. Mr. Knud- son has also done considerable prospecting. at pres- ent owning nine promising claims on White House and Jumbo mountains.

In 1901 Mr. Knudson married Miss Emma Ev- ans, who died a year later, leaving no children. In politics Mr. Knudson is a Republican, while in church affiliations he is a Lutheran. Besides a sub- stantial home in Darrington and the building in which his shop is located, he owns one hundred and

sixty acres of land. forty of which have been platted into the town site of Darrington. Mr. Knudson is one of the wideawake citizens of the town, a man of excellent business judgment, successful in all that he undertakes and a man who commands the respect of his fellow citizens.

JOHN L. CAMPBELL is another of the pioneer citizens of the Pacific Northwest whose birthplace is Prince Edward's Island, in the Gulf of St. Law- rence. Ilis farm lies six miles west of Darrington on the county road. Mr. Campbell was born June 1, 1811, the son of Ronald and Mary ( Dailey ) Campbell. The father was born on Prince Edward's island of Scotch ancestry and lived there until he came to Washington in 1902. since which time he has made his home with his son. Mrs. Campbell, also a native of the island, died there in 1811. John L. Campbell lived with his parents until nearly nine- teen years old, coming to Seattle in 1888. After a few months in that city, Mr. Campbell went to Ore- gon and for two years worked in the woods. In 1890 he came to Snohomish county, and being well impressed located on his present homestead. For a number of years he followed the plan adopted by so many men in this new country of working several months in the year for others, employing the re- mainder of the year in bringing his homestead into a state of cultivation. He moved on to his place per- manently in 1902 and has since devoted his entire energies and skill to its improvement.

. Early in the year 1902, January 10, Mr. Camp- bell married Miss Elizabeth Creedican, daughter of Michael and Mary ( Clarke) Creedican. Mr. Creedican was born in England to Irish parents. He became a miner and carpenter and came to this country in 1883, settling in Pennsylvania, where he lived four years. He then came to the Puget sound country and has been here ever since, passing most of his time in King county. Mrs. Creedican was born in Ireland in 1857, but went to England in early life and married while there. She is still living, the mother of eight children : Thomas, Ann ( deceased ), Elizabeth, Mary, Pat- rick. James. Joseph and Margaret. Elizabeth was born August 29, 1880, and lived at home until married. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell has been born one child, a daughter, Mary. In politics Mr. Campbell is a Republican. The family is affiliated with the Catholic church. Though that portion of Mr. Campbell's farm under cultivation is not large, he has it well in hand and is utilizing all its productive powers. He is considered one of the capable men of the community : a man of excellent character and one in whom confidence is placed by his fellows and the community in general.

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JOSEPHI CHENIER, living five miles west of Darrington on the county road, is one of the hus- tling agriculturists of this part of the county and is held in high regard by his neighbors and business associates. Mr. Chenier was born in Canada in 1854, the only son of John B. and Mary ( LaSab- Inier) Chenier, both of whom were born in Can- ada. The father died when Joseph was but a year old, but the mother is now living with her son near Darrington. . Joseph Chenier lived at home until he had attained the age of fourteen, when he went to work in the woods. In 1880, leaving his family behind, he removed to Massachusetts. His work in the Bay state was connected with the lumber in- dustry and as soon as he had settled himself there he sent for his family. Massachusetts continued to be his abode until he came to Snohomish county in 1890 and located a claim on the river near Fort- son. Two years later his family joined him. In 1904 Mr. Chenier sold out his original location and purchased his present farm. For a period of three years since coming to Snohomish county Mr. Chenier operated a saloon and hotel in Darrington, which he still owns but leases.

In 1823 Mr. Chenier married Miss Millie Gren- ier, daughter of Otain and Zoe (Tebeau) Grenier, natives of Canada. The father died in 1902; the mother is still living, making her home with Mrs. Chenier. To Mr. and Mrs. Chenier have been born six children : Melina, Permelia, Joseph, Fred, Dor- eneau and Eva. In politics Mr. Chenier is not aligned with any party, preferring to cast his ballot for such candidates as appeal to him without any other force than their qualifications for office. In church affiliations he is a Catholic. Mr. Chenier's farm comprises eighty acres, fourteen of which are under cultivation. He has nine head of cattle and horses sufficient for carrying on the farm work. He is a man who is skilled in wood lore, having passed the greater part of his life in the forests of the new world. As a farmer he is successful and as a citizen he is highly respected.

EDWIN MILTON STEPHENS .- Among the foremost business men of Monroe, Washing- ton, stands Edwin Milton Stephens, president of the State Bank of Monroe, and also of the Stephens Brothers Mill Company. He was born in Oregon, January 31, 1868. His father, William Stephens, a. native of Iowa, crossed the plains in 185? with his parents, Ebenezer and Rebecca Stephens, with ox teams and, reaching his destination, Oakland, Douglas county, Oregon, erected a flour mill there. which he continued to own and operate until 1885, when he sold out and moved to Puget sound. The mother, Rosanna (Ensley) Stephens, is a native of Wisconsin. After acquiring his rudimentary education in the common schools of his native state, Edwin Milton Stephens completed his scho !-

astic training by a course in a private academy at Oakland. Thus equipped for a successful business career, he left home at the age of twenty-one, locat- ing in Marysville, where he owned an interest in a shingle mill. A year later he went to Getchell, and was there engaged in the manufacture of shingles for three years, when he again took up his resi- cience in Marysville, pursuing the same line of ac- tivity. Coming to Monroe in 189; he, in partner- ship with his brother, Elmer, built a shingle mill, and together they operated it until it was destroyed by fire in 1902. They then, in company with two other brothers, D. F. and L. L. Stephens and B. F. Bird, formed the firm of Stephens Brothers, In- corporated, and erected a saw and shingle mill two miles north of Monroe. The mill has a capacity of 15,000 feet of lumber and 125,000 shingles daily, and regularly employs from thirty to fifty men. March 1. 1901, Mr. Stephens assisted in organiz- ing the Monroe State Bank, which has a capital of $25.000, and is officered as follows: E. M. Steph- ens, president : C. L. Lawry, cashier ; A. J. Agnew, vice-president ; Walter Wardell. assistant cashier. Although so recently organized this is already be- coming favorably known, and is doing a large amount of general banking and foreign exchange Business. That it will in the course of a few years be one of the leading institutions of the kind in this part of the Northwest is the general belief of those who are in position to judge of its strength and stability.

Mr. Stephens and Miss Ida M. Smith were married May 25, 1890. Mrs. Stephens was born in Kansas, and there grew to womanhood, acquir- ing an excellent education in the schools of the state. Her parents. Henry HI. and Anna Smith, were both natives of Wisconsin. The father was for many years a successful agriculturist there. prior to the time when he migrated to Kansas. After his death. the mother came to reside with her daughter in Monroe. To Mr. and Mrs. Stephens four children have been born: LaFayette D .. Ger- trude, Eliza N. and Lillian. Fraternally Mr. Ste- phens affiliates with the Odd Fellows and the Elks. In political belief he adheres to the doctrines of the Republican party, and loyally strives to advance its interests, while never seeking any preferment for himself. His career since coming to Monroe should prove an incentive to other young men of energy and pluck, as he had practically no means at that time, and has acquired his present financial standing solely by his own unceasing labor, and his splendid management. He is demonstrating day by day the wisdom of those who elected him presi- dent of the bank. His keen, conservative business abilities render him an able financier, while his irre- proachalle personal character inspires a feeling of security and confidence. He is a liberal minded. public spirited citizen, always willing to throw the weight of his influence in favor of any enterprise

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that promises to contribute to the public welfare. His interest, however, does not stop there, as his time and means are also cheerfully given as they arc needed. His position in the business and social life of the thriving little city of Monroc is one of which he has every reason to feel proud, since it is so justly merited.

Mr. Stephen's father, William, an old Puget sound pioneer, is now a respected resident of Marysville. He was born in Des Moines. Iowa, April 27, 1844, came to Oregon in 1852, as hereto- fore stated, was educated in Wilbur Academy, and at twenty-one became his father's partner in a grist mill. He was in that line of business sixteen years. then sold out and farmed for half a decade. In 188" he drove from Oregon to Marysville, his team being the first to pass over thic road from Sno- homish to that point. Purchasing 280 acres of land, he engaged energetically in the improvement of the same and now has a fine farm, upon which he raises high grade cattle, O. I. C. hogs and other livestock. Mrs. Rosanna (Ensley) Stephens, his wife, is likewise a member of a family that crossed the plains to Oregon in 1852. Her parents dicd in 1898.

WILLIAM C. WHITE. one of the wide-awake, prosperous business men of Monroe, Washington, is a native of Henry county, Illinois, his birth oc- curring January 14, 1866. His father, Eli White, a native of the Buckeye state, was for many years a well known railroad man, following that line till his death in 1899. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Christena Newburg, was born in Sweden, but is spending her declining years in Chicago, Illinois. William C. White enjoyed the usttal educational advantages until he reached the age of thirteen, when he was thrown on his own resources and obliged to begin life for himself. Possessed of unusual strength of character he spent 110 time in bewailing the fact that he must now start out for himself, but at once manfully faced the future, and soon found employment in a foundry in Kewanee, Illinois. Later he worked in a large bottling establishment for a time. In 188? he went to Nevada, where an uncle of his resided, and with him he spent one year working and at- tending school. This latter privilege was greatly appreciated by the eager, ambitions boy, who often regretted that he could not have had a morc liberal education. That he utilized every moment of the time spent within the walls of the school room may be safely inferred. His first business venture was the establishment in Nevada of a stage line carrying mail, express and passengers, and in the operation of this he was employed for several years. He re- mained in Nevada eighteen years in all. In 1897 he visited the Pacific Northwest for the first time, and was so thoroughly pleased with the country

and the business openings that he lost no time in locating in Edmonds, Washington, where he be- came the proprietor of the City hotel. He owned this property until 1900, then sold it, and moved to. Monroe, where he erected a large two-story build- ing, in which he conducts the Rainier bar and a bowling alley.

Mr. White was married January 3, 1886, to Miss . Hannah Nordstram, a native of Sweden. Her par- ents still reside in the fatherland, where her father is a prosperous agriculturist. Two children, Ed- ward C. and Mable N., have been born to Mr. and Mrs. White. Mr. White is prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership in the Foresters of America, and the Eagles. In political persuasion. he is a loyal Democrat. The party has honored him by electing him a member of the city council, which office he is filling at the present time, meeting its requirements and responsibilities in a very cred- itable manner.

: JOHN A. VANASDLEN, the "father of Mon- 10e," is a worthy descendant of a long line of illus- trious Dutch pioneers and heroes who were promi- nent in the settlement of New Amsterdam, fought in the War of 1812, and served their country with bravery in the great national struggle of 1861-5. The same courage which inspired them, induced him to come to the far West in the days when the Pacific coast needed men of endurance and patriot- ism to open her forests and lay the foundations for future commonwealths. Mr. Vanasdlen performed more than his share of services of this kind at Monroe, Snohomish county, as well as in other communities of the state. He was born in Cum- berland county, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1861, the son of Tagart and Katherine ( Beetem) Vanasdlen, both natives of the Keystone state. The father ran stage lines and carried the mail in that state when railroads were few. He served the union during the Civil War and died in 1865. The mother is living at Huntsdale, Pennsylvania, where another son resides. The only other child was a daughter,

Carrie. now deceased. John A. Vanasdlen took ad- vantage of the common schools of his native state until he was fifteen years old, when he assumed for himself the responsibilities of life and followed mining and lumbering until 1880. The longing for travel which had been a characteristic of some of his ancestors induced him to leave his native state, and he found employment in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, respectively. In Illinois and Iowa he worked in the coal mines for two and a half years. He was in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1883, his face still turned westward, and he went thence to Bismark. North Dakota. thence to Miles City and Bozeman. Montana, and was in Helena and Butte, in the latter state, ahead of the railroad. That same year he followed the-

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BIOGRAPHICAL

setting sun until he saw the waters of the Pacific. He found employment in the coal mines of King county until 1889, when he came to Park Place. Snohomish county, and opened a general merchan- dise store. He and John Stretch of Snohomish, March 22, 1892, platted forty acres which was called Tye City, now Monroe. Mr. Vanasdlen moved the store building, stock of goods and post office a mile and a quarter to the new townsite in 1893 and was made the first postmaster of Monroc, which position he held until the change of adminis- tration in 1897 when J. E. Dalloff became his suc- cessor. He continued his mercantile business until 1901 when he disposed of his stock, and engaged in cruising and locating timber lands, selling real estate and in lumbering. In 1903 in company with Nellie Francis, he established the Monroe Furniture Company, the only furniture house in Monroe at the present time.

Mr. Vanasdlen and Miss Annie Francis were united in marriage November 1. 1891, at Snoho- mish, where her parents John and Elizabeth Francis now reside. They are natives of England and came to Snohomish county when Mrs. Vanasdlen was a child. Mr. and Mrs. Vanasdlen have six children. Myrtle, Tagart. John, Annie, Clarence and Nellie. Mr. Vanasdlen is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and of the Elks at Everett. In politics he has always been a Democrat. He is a prosperous, enterprising citizen, the kind of a man that is a great benefit to a new settlement, and that always leaves an impress indelibly stamped upon the community.

JACOB M. SPRAU, merchant of Monroe, is a worthy representative of the substantial German- American type of citizen. He was born in Ohio September 5, 1839. His parents, Henry and Eliza- beth (Hofman) Sprau, came from Germany to the United States in the 'fifties, settled in the Buckeye state and followed farming, first there and after 1867 in Allegan county, Michigan. They died in the latter state, in 1888 and in 1883, respectively. Jacob M. Sprau lived on the Ohio farm until twenty years old, acquiring as good an education as he could in the common schools and then willingly assisting in the work on the place. When he left home he performed the same kind of service for other farmers, first in Ohio and then in Michigan. until 1901, when he came to Puget Sound and located at Snohomish. Two years later he came to Monroe and with his youngest son, .A. B .. ostab- lished their present prosperous business in tobacco and confectionery.

Mr. Sprau married Miss Julia M. Burgderier. October 29. 1862, in Ohio, in which state she was born and in which state her parents died. Mr. and Mrs. Sprau have had the following children of

whom the first two have died: Lillian, Frankie. Charles, Jessie, Effie, Nina, Roy. Arthur, and Ethelyn. Charles, the oldest living, is proprietor and manager of the Penobscott hotel at Snohomish where he is doing a good business. A sketch of him will appear elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Sprau is a member of the National Protective Le- gion and in politics believes thoroughly in the prin- ciples of the Republican party. Ile is a conserva- tive, discriminating and respected citizen of the community, who is closely identified with all public measures looking to the general advancement and prosperity of the people and to the attainment of higher standards in public and private life.

PETER J. SUHL, a successful and substantial business man of Monroe, was born in Holstein, Germany, on the first day of October, 1860. the son of F'aul and Mary ( Schmidt) Suhl, natives of Ger- many, who came to the United States in 1890, and located and farmed in Iowa until the father's death in 1903. The mother resides at Walnut, lowa She has had seven children as follows: Henry, John, Iferman. Peter, Maggie. Emma and Mary. Peter Suhl was given the advantages of the schools of Germany and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty years old. He had heard much of America, the land of liberty, where the government had a farm for every industrious man : so he bade farewell to the old home and in 1883 arrived in lowa where two uneles lived. Ile worked for various farmers in that state until 1889 then farmed ten years for himself. In 1899 he decided to make one more change, to come this time to the Pacific slope, of which he had heard much. He eventually located in Monroe and opened the Olympia Bar which he conducts as a gentlemen's resort.

In lowa on the 15th of December. 1593, Mr. Suhl married Miss Hannah Colzan, who was born in the town of Delve. Holstein, Germany. She is the daughter of John and Katherine Colzau, Ger- mans, who still reside in the old country where the former has followed steamboating. To Mr. and Mrs. Suhl two children have been born-Arthur and Mary. Mr. Suhl is a member of the Foresters of America and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. while Mrs. Suhl is a member of the Maccabees and the Royal Neighbors of America. Mr. Suhl is a Republican in politics and a special admirer of the character and energy of President Roosevelt. He is a progressive citizen, always a friend of law and order, well liked by all who meet him.

MRS. JENNIE M SAWYER, owner of much valuable real estate in Monroe, has contributed her share towards the welfare of the place. She was born in Vermont on the 20th day of May, 1529, the daughter of Renben and Betsey (Smith) Dodge.

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natives of New Hampshire who followed agricul- tural pursuits all their lives. They were descend- ants of English ancestors who settled on the Atlan- tic coast in colonial times, the genealogy of the Dodge family being complete in its records back to the sixteenth century and published in book form. Many of the family took part in the war of 1812. Mrs. Sawyer was the eleventh of twelve children. She received a common school education and re- mained with her parents at Royalton, Vermont, until her marriage to Samuel J. Sawyer, in 1860. upon which Clairemont became their home. He was a native of New Hampshire, and a veteran of the Civil War, after the close of which he engaged in farming in Vermont, following that until his death in 1878.

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An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington, Part 198

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1906 Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1172

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1172